COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: MASTER THESIS

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
ARCH 500	E	9	2	0	0	2	15

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	Dr. Joana Dhiamandi jdhiamandi@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	Dr. Joana Dhiamandi jdhiamandi@epoka.edu.al
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	NA
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time:
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	NA
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:	75%
Course Description:	Under the supervision of the advisor, the students prepare student-led thesis project or a written Master Thesis / dissertation. The dissertation is an opportunity for students to specialise in one of the Department’s renowned research areas, such as architectural design, urbanism, history and theory, sustainability and construction management.
Course Objectives:	The aim of the course is to define the main subject of research, to describe the research methodology and to overview the existing stage of knowledge within the selected topic. The main problem of research and existing approaches to its solution should be shown. The literature review , the analysis of the case studies is important for the development of the research. Within the corse it is going to be defined the type of data, which is going to be elaborated during the work. For the architectural project it is replaced by the project brief. The study is devoted to the explanation of the aim of research, motivation of selection of the research topic and research proceedings.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	Research Process
2	Critical Thinking
3	Human Experience
4	Inclusive Design
5	Methodology

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Introduction into the course. Group division
2	Preliminary research. First discussion. Definition of the research topic
3	First research statement. PPT presentation and discussion + written statement (1-2 pages)
4	Case studies: practice. PPT presentation of 10 projects similar to the topic of research
5	Case studies: theory. PPT presentation of 10 papers similar to the topic of research
6	Site selection. PPT presentation of the site
7	Midterm statement. PPT presentation of the research proceedings + written statement
8	Site analysis. Preparation of all graphics and PPT presentation
9	Case studies: practice. Graphical analysis of the selected case studies and PPT presentation
10	Literature review. Search for the additional literature and writing a summary of it
11	Methodology of work. Writing the overview of the research methods/defining the scale of project
12	Study for Thesis. Start to work on thesis study
13	Study for Thesis. Continue to work on thesis study
14	Study for Thesis. Reviews on thesis study

Prerequisite(s):	no
Textbook(s):
Additional Literature:	-
Laboratory Work:	no
Computer Usage:	yes
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	To define the topic of research or project
2	To select the methodology of research
3	To get familiar with the current state of knowledge for the selected topic
4	To define the aim of research, motivation, research objectives and the subject of research
5	To prepare a written study, which is going to serve as research framework

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years) Program
1	Speaking and Writing Skills Ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively	5
2	Critical Thinking Skills Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test them against relevant criteria and standards	5
3	Graphics Skills Ability to use appropriate representational media, including freehand drawing and computer technology, to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the programming and design process	1
4	Research Skills Ability to gather, assess, record, and apply relevant information in architectural course work	5
5	Formal Ordering Systems Understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles and systems of order that inform two- and three-dimensional design, architectural composition, and urban design
6	Fundamental Design Skills Ability to use basic architectural principles in the design of buildings, interior spaces, and sites
7	Collaborative Skills Ability to recognize the varied talent found in interdisciplinary design project teams in professional practice and work in collaboration with other students as members of a design team	4
8	International Traditions Understanding of the International architectural canons and traditions in architecture, landscape and urban design, as well as the climatic, technological, culture-economic, and other cultural factors that have shaped and sustained them
9	National and Regional Traditions Understanding of national traditions and the local regional heritage in architecture, landscape design and urban design, including the vernacular tradition
10	Use of Precedents Ability to incorporate relevant precedents into architecture and urban design projects
11	Conservation and Restoration of Historical Districts Knowledge on historical districts and the gain of conservation consciousness documentation of historical buildings and the understanding the techniques which are needed to prepare restoration projects.
12	Human Behavior Understanding of the theories and methods of inquiry that seek to clarify the relationship between human behavior and the physical environment
13	Human Diversity Understanding of the diverse needs, values, behavioral norms, physical ability, and social and spatial patterns that characterize different cultures and individuals and the implication of this diversity for the societal roles and responsibilities of architects

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Homework	1	5
Presentation	1	10
Term Paper	1	75
Attendance		10
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	3	48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	14	3	42
Mid-terms	1	15	15
Assignments	5	5	25
Final examination	1	20	20
Other			0
Total Work Load:			150
Total Work Load/25(h):			6
ECTS Credit of the Course:			15

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

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